Town of Canton Supports Black Lives Matter

July 8, 2020

Town of Canton In Support of Black Lives Matter 

Whereas, the Declaration of Independence defined the United States of America as a democracy based on the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and government by the consent of the people; and the 14^th Amendment instilled equality of the races in the U.S. Constitution; and

Whereas, from slavery to Jim Crow laws to the modern criminal justice system, Black people, including Black transgender people, in this country, have been brutalized, dehumanized and murdered for centuries; and

Whereas, in the 21^st Century, Black people in America continue to live in fear of losing their lives at the hands of law enforcement or members of white supremacist groups; and

Whereas, on May 27, 2020 the killing of a Black 46-year-old father of two, Mr. George Floyd, by a police officer has sparked protests in the Village of Canton, our neighboring towns and villages, and across the nation; and  

Whereas, these protests remind us once again that for centuries our nation’s social institutions, including education, healthcare, business, government, and criminal justice, have systematically and disproportionately discriminated against Black people; and  

Whereas, our nation’s laws afford everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender identity, the right to equal protection and equal justice under the law; and   

Whereas, we recognize that People of Color who live, study, work, and recreate in Canton experience incidents of racism on an individual and systemic level; and 

Whereas, the people of Canton wish to welcome and include people of all races, ethnicities and gender identities, to create a community where everyone can thrive; and  

Now therefore be it resolved, that the Town of Canton Town Board condemns all acts of racism and discrimination against People of Color and affirms that Black lives do matter; and 

Be it further resolved, that the Town of Canton Town Board recognizes that it is the responsibility of all elected and appointed officials, municipal staff, and law enforcement personnel, to commit to making the Town of Canton a welcoming, inclusive, and safe community in which people of all races, ethnicities and gender identities can thrive.    

--

Robert J Washo

Deputy Supervisor

Town of Canton

60 Main Street

Canton, NY 13617

315-854-5395